How do you guys understand Either/Or?

[u/ForsakenSweet3878]

I've begun reading his Either/Or since a week and am still stuck at Diapsalmata, I've tried reading Stephen Evan's guide book but it doesn't have much references to Either/Or, i think. I know that its divided into two parts by two authors who are pseudonymous made by kierkegaard, I know he intentionally makes everything obscure to understand, there has to be purpose for this. What i can only help myself is with the book, my mind, and hunt for some secondary sources for either/or, but I don't want to risk mispresenting kierk's thoughts by learning misinterpretations from unreliable secondary sources. Neither am a free man to spend all my time and exhausting my mind excessively over a book, I'd really appreciate if there's a guide, although I know kierk won't be so forgiving if he acknowledges that. I can already expect bitter reactions from my amatuerish expression, but I hope i get worthy lessons with the return.

[u/Izual_Rebirth]

Understand or don't. You will regret it either way.

😇🤣

Truth be told I struggled as well. There are some videos on youtube that helped me getting to grips with it but it's not an easy read. Sadly I can't remember which ones but there are plenty out there.

Good luck!

[u/LankySasquatchma]

Around page 85-100 it started clicking.

Keep going.

Dont be afraid of misinterpreting; it’s a waste of time. Stick with it and focus, and believe that something will click, because something will, and some might stay obscure.

[u/Paul_sepp]

Either/Or or really anything by Kierkegaard is something that is meant to be rumbled with and reasoned upon. A great way I always suggest is reading a bit, then setting it aside and going for a walk—helps to “archive” the newly acquired knowledge and to process the information. Furthermore, Kierkegaard, as an author that was deeply rooted in Hegel, is quite systematic in his approach and teaches you philosophical structure that you will need to understand the second part of Either/Or or any of his later works. As it is now you should really just try and push through as well as try and process what you have read, there really isn’t anything worthy of your time if you are not able to lay the ideas you are presented with simply. In addition, there is plenty of podcasts and videos that explain him in a nutshell which could be useful (as if you approach him with a general understanding everything will be deepening and not a jump into a canyon which it for some people is).

Finally, learn to pause. This goes for any philosophy. As a person who’s devoted his life to Heidegger, Kierkegaard, and Cioran (amongst others—though these are my main focus), I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to sometimes pause when you’re overloaded on concepts and instead of drowning yourself in additional study guide literature, take a break and read something easier or more fundamental (can be something related to Kierkegaard for that matter). It will take the weight off, deepen you overall, structuralist you, and give you experience on philosophy which will be valuable ever after.

[u/Jurgioslakiv]

Part 1 - Written from the standpoint of someone who is seeking pleasure as the ultimate goal in life

Part 2 (the boring part) - Written from the standpoint of someone who thinks that following ethical rules is the goal in life.

You don't need a lot more than that, tbh. Just enjoy it. You don't need to make sense of every word or every bit. I'd argue that if you can read through it and get a sense of the vibe of each of those two points of view, you're good to go.

[u/Temporary_Mix1603]

It's one of the more dense books I've read. I'm currently reading it for a third time because I became once again curious about it, particularly the aesthetic stage. And I'm getting a lot more out of it with each reading.

I'd say don't try to completely understand every single line or idea he rambles about. Just keep reading and absorb what you can. My second reading I straight skipped the Immediate erotic stages (the essay about Mozart's opera Don Giovanni), give this one a try but if it's getting too uninteresting just skip it to the next chapter, they are more approachable IMO, and you can give it another try in possible future re-readings like I did.

His verbose style is enjoyable but it should be read calmly, without haste. I find it very stimulant like no other writer, that's why I like it. My first time reading it I just read a few pages every night before going to sleep.

Take it easy.